Drinking During the Holidays – Understanding the Risk & Finding Support

The holidays are often portrayed as joyful, relaxing, and filled with celebration, but for many individuals and families, this time of year is anything but easy. Drinking during the holidays is not just common; it’s widely encouraged through parties, family gatherings, and social expectations. 

While some can navigate it without issue, for others, it becomes a dangerous pattern that masks stress, grief, or underlying addiction.

At Project Courage, we see this every year: families struggling quietly, unsure if what they’re experiencing is normal or if it’s time to step in. Whether you’re worried about your own drinking or concerned about a loved one, it’s important to recognize when holiday drinking becomes something more. 

In this guide, we’ll explore why alcohol use increases during the holidays, what warning signs to watch for, and how you can access support, including flexible options like virtual therapy, in-home recovery services, and family-based care available across Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Here is what we cover:

1. Why Holiday Drinking Is So Common
2. When Holiday Drinking Becomes a Problem
3. The Impact of Holiday Drinking on Families
4. What to Do If You’re Concerned About a Loved One’s Drinking
5. When to Consider Professional Help
6. Frequently Asked Questions
7. How Project Courage Supports Families During the Holidays and Beyond

Why Holiday Drinking Is So Common

Every year, alcohol becomes a centerpiece of holiday celebrations, from family dinners to office parties. But beyond the festive toasts and seasonal cocktails, there’s often a deeper reason why drinking during the holidays increases for so many people.

For some, the holidays bring intense emotional stress, grief over lost loved ones, strained family relationships, or financial pressure. Others feel socially obligated to drink to fit in or cope with awkward interactions. And for individuals already struggling with alcohol use, the season becomes a minefield of triggers and opportunities to overdrink.

The normalization of heavy drinking during the holidays can make it difficult to recognize when a real problem is developing. In families where alcohol use is generational, it may be seen as tradition rather than a red flag. Our article on Does Alcohol Addiction Run in Families? explores this dynamic in more depth.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), both the frequency and volume of alcohol consumption spike during the holidays, leading to higher rates of accidents, ER visits, and family conflict. Recognizing the root causes of holiday drinking is the first step toward making this season safer and more meaningful for you and your loved ones.

When Holiday Drinking Becomes a Problem

Drinking during the holidays may start as a way to celebrate or unwind, but for some, it quickly crosses the line into something more serious. What makes it difficult is that the signs can be subtle at first, especially when heavy drinking is socially accepted this time of year.

You might notice someone drinking earlier in the day, hiding how much they’ve had, or becoming more irritable, withdrawn, or forgetful. They may skip responsibilities, show up late to family events, or use alcohol to manage anxiety or tension around relatives. If these behaviors return year after year or begin to escalate, they’re likely more than just “holiday stress.”

This is often when family members start asking questions: Is this just seasonal, or is it something bigger? If you’re unsure, our article on how to know if you have a drinking problem can help you assess the signs with honesty and compassion.

If you’re seeing patterns that concern you in yourself or a loved one, it’s okay to take that seriously. The earlier you reach out, the more options are available. Contact us to talk through your situation privately with a Project Courage team member. We’re here to help you decide what support might make sense.

The Impact of Holiday Drinking on Families

While the focus is often on the individual who’s drinking, the emotional fallout usually lands on the family. Drinking during the holidays can turn what should be a time of connection into a source of stress, tension, or fear, especially for children or spouses living with someone whose behavior becomes unpredictable.

Holiday gatherings may start with good intentions, but often spiral into arguments, cancellations, or emotional shutdowns. Children may witness mood swings, conflict, or even unsafe behavior, internalizing guilt or confusion without the tools to understand what’s happening. Partners and other family members may find themselves working overtime to smooth things over, protect others, or hide the problem from guests.

This kind of emotional strain can deepen over the years, creating long-term damage to trust, communication, and connection within the family. Many people fall into unconscious roles, the protector, the enabler, the peacekeeper, that mask the issue instead of resolving it. You can learn more about these dynamics in our article on family roles in addiction.

For broader guidance, SAMHSA offers resources to help families understand and respond to addiction-related stress. But if you’re looking for local, personalized help, Project Courage provides therapy and recovery services that involve the entire family, not just the person drinking.

What to Do If You’re Concerned About a Loved One’s Drinking

If you’ve started to feel uncomfortable with a family member’s drinking during the holidays, trust that instinct and know there are healthy, effective ways to respond. Whether you’re dealing with a partner, parent, adult child, or close friend, here are some practical steps you can take:

• Observe and reflect before reacting
  Start by quietly taking note of concerning patterns: changes in mood, missed responsibilities, arguments after drinking, or secrecy. These signs matter, and they’re worth paying attention to.
• Choose a calm time to talk
  When your loved one is sober and tensions are low, express your concern without judgment. Use “I” statements, and focus on how their drinking affects you and the people around them. For guidance, see our article on how to talk to a family member about their addiction.
• Get support for yourself and your family
  You don’t have to carry the emotional weight alone. Project Courage offers Family Therapy for Addiction, available both virtually and in person. Therapy can help you process your own experience and learn how to set healthy boundaries.
• Offer a path to help, not an ultimatum
  Sometimes, offering a next step like starting with In-Home Recovery Services is more effective than demanding they stop drinking immediately. IHRS is private, supportive, and available across Connecticut and Massachusetts.
• Know when to protect yourself
  If the drinking creates emotional harm, instability, or danger in the home, it’s okay and necessary to put safety and well-being first, especially when children are involved.

The most important thing is to begin. Early action often leads to better outcomes, and even one conversation can open the door to meaningful change.

When to Consider Professional Help

If your loved one’s drinking during the holidays is affecting their well-being or your family’s, it may be time to explore professional support. You don’t have to wait for a crisis. In fact, getting help earlier can prevent things from escalating and provide a smoother, more dignified path into recovery.

At Project Courage, we offer several entry points to care, depending on your family’s situation and comfort level:

• Virtual Therapy
  For individuals or families who aren’t ready for in-person care, virtual therapy is a discreet and flexible option. It’s also a helpful first step for those testing the waters or living in different locations.
• In-Home Recovery Services (IHRS)
  Ideal for those hesitant to enter a facility, IHRS provides private, structured care right in your home. It’s available across Connecticut and Massachusetts and is often the most comfortable starting point for families dealing with holiday-related stress or alcohol misuse.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) 
  IOP is a structured yet flexible program that allows people to receive therapy and clinical support while continuing with daily responsibilities. This can be a powerful next step for someone who has tried to cut back but struggles to stay consistent.
• Group Therapy and Family Therapy
  These services support both the individual and the entire family system. Group support builds accountability, while family therapy helps rebuild trust and communication; both are essential during the emotionally charged holiday season.

If you’re unsure which service is the right fit, we’re here to help you figure it out. Reach out to our team for a confidential conversation about your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Project Courage Supports Families During the Holidays and Beyond

The holiday season can magnify challenges that have been quietly building for months or years. Whether you’re worried about a loved one’s drinking during the holidays or struggling with your own, the most important thing to know is this: help is available, and it doesn’t have to wait until things fall apart.

At Project Courage, we provide care that’s flexible, family-centered, and grounded in real-life situations. We understand that holidays come with added pressure, emotions, and logistics, which is why we tailor our services to meet you exactly where you are.

You don’t need to wait until the new year or until someone hits “rock bottom.” If the holidays are feeling harder than they should, let’s talk about it now. We’re here to help you take the next right step, no pressure, no judgment.

Contact Project Courage today for a confidential consultation. Because sometimes the best gift you can give or receive is the chance to start healing.